After trying to use the underutilized bruiser next to Andrea Bargnani for one game, the Raptors are changing their starting lineup. The more lithe and offensively gifted Amir Johnson will start with Reggie Evans, who is awaiting foot surgery, out of the lineup. Johnson will make his first start of the year Wednesday night against Washington.

The worry with Johnson is his proclivity for picking up fouls — he has averaged 6.5 fouls per 36 minutes for his career.

At this point, though, he is the Raptors’ best option.

“I’ve got to try to keep him on the floor as much as I can, play him as many minutes as possible,” Raptors coach Jay Triano said. “He’s part of our future. He’s valuable to us when he’s out there on both ends of the floor.”

Davis will make his NBA debut against the Wizards, after missing the first month and change as he recovered from knee surgery.

Triano has offered Davis only one piece of advice.

“The only thing I’ve said to him so far is that they’re going to come after you,” Triano said. “As soon as he subs in the game, they’re going to go right at him. They’re going to post him up or [isolate] him. That’s what this league is about, and he’s got to be ready for it. He’s got to know that they’re coming after him, and he’s going to have to be aware of it. We’ll see how he handles it.”

***

For the Wizards, phenomenal rookie guard John Wall will be a game-time decision. He is nursing a bruised right knee. The status of swingman Al Thornton, who has a sprained left ankle, is also unknown.